Tennis Elbow

Question:  What is tennis elbow and how does physical therapy help this condition?

Answer:  Lateral epicondylitis, which is referred o as "tennis elbow", is an injury to the muscles and tendons along the outside aspect of the elbow joint.  This condition typically results from overuse or repetetive stress.  This injury does not happen only to tennis players, but also to people who perform repetetive movements of the elbow such as mechanics, cake decorators, butchers, gardeners, and others.  The muscles involved are the ones that extend (backward bend) the wrist.  Th symptoms include difficulty gripping and lifting objects (especially if the elbow is straight), pain and stiffness at the elbow joing, tightness and weakness of the forearm muscles, and tenderness along the outside of the elbow where the tendons attach to the bone.
Lateral epicondylitis can become a chronic problem if not properly treated.  The goal of physical therapy during the initial phase of treatment is to decrease inflammation and pain by resting the joint and using modalities such as ice, iontophoresis, and/or phonophoresis. Iontophoresis is sometimes referrec to as a "shot without the needle", as this modality uses an electrical current to push anti-inflammatory medication into the target area (the painful elbow).  The next phase of physical therapy targets improving flexibility, strength, and function of the elbow and forearm muscles, often through a therapeutic exercise program.  The last phase of physical therapy treatment emphasizes a gradual return to activities of daily living and athletic activity.  Contact your local physical therapist before you develop chronic pain.